MINISTER MICHAEL REFALO ANNOUNCES 2002 GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE UN AND WTO YEAR OF ECOTOURISM

The Minister for Tourism Dr Michael Refalo this morning inaugurated an exhibition of photographs taken and produced by Dr Adriana Vella from BICREF, the Biological Conservation Research Foundation, at the Westin Dragonara Resort.

The Minister said that he was privileged to have been invited to open an exhibition which increased local appreciation and awareness of dolphins and marine endangered species and promoted the effective consideration required for their protection.

"BICREF", which undertakes boat and aerial surveys in the Mediterranean region, the Minister said "increases our appreciation of the need for research, of the efforts and work undertaken by individual members as well as knowledge of and commitment towards endangered species and habitats."

"Although the tourist industry is often accused of spoiling and degrading habitats and national environs, of putting excessive pressure on the natural and man built heritage, it is, when properly managed, a most valuable tool for their conservation, presentation, and increased awareness."

"As a result of the findings of the Carrying Capacity Study my Ministry and the Malta Tourism Authority, which has sponsored today's exhibits, have made a conscious choice to further support and implement the concept and spirit of sustainable development."

The Minister added that it would be "sheer folly to spoil and ruin that which our visitors come to see and enjoy. We cannot undo past mistakes but it is in our interest and our duty to see that they are not repeated."

"Tourism, through the print and audiovisual media has for the past two years embarked on an ongoing education campaign and tries to drum in the "do's and don't s" into the minds of an often insensitive audience prepared to pay lip service to the value and importance of tourism but little else."

Minister Refalo said that 2002 had been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Ecotourism. The World Tourism Organisation had likewise declared 2002 as being the WTO Year of Ecotourism.

"I am pleased to announce that in its 26th March meeting, Cabinet endorsed and approved an initiative moved by my Ministry for a year long programme of activities involving all Government Ministries, Departments, statutory bodies and agencies in support of ecotourism."

"I will now proceed to set up a committee for the better organisation and celebration of the UN and WTO Year of Ecotourism in Malta, which will include representatives from all Ministries, to prepare a programme to be implemented throughout 2002."

The Minister said that he would soon announce further details but felt that "today's occasion is particularly apt to show not only Tourism support for BICREF but that the industry is not in the grasp of consumerist tendencies and materialistic attitudes but that it does have a sensitive soul as well."

DOI 30.03.2001